December 2021 news

Defense Aviation and Aerospace Industry
 

Chinese H-6J bombers practice island bombing and mine-laying in South China Sea

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As reported by Liu Xuanzun in Global Times, the H-6J, the latest type of bomber to enter service with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy, recently participated in a live-fire exercise in the South China Sea, practicing bomb dropping on islands and sea mine-laying, which analysts said on Sunday displayed the aircraft’s traditional bombing capability in addition to its standoff strike competence.

UAE and France sign deal for 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets

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In the presence of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, and Sheikh Mohammed ben Zayed Al Nahyane, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Vice-Commander of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation, signed a historical contract with Tareq Abdul Raheem Al Hosani, CEO of Tawazun Economic Council, in charge of security and defense acquisitions, for the acquisition of 80 Rafale F4 for the United Arab Emirates Air Force & Air Defence (UAE AF & AD).

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates robust data link communication for rotary wing aircraft

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Rohde & Schwarz, together with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH and representatives of the German armed forces (Bundeswehr)successfully carried out stationary tests on the premises of the Bundeswehr Technical Center for Aircraft and Aeronautical Equipment (WTD 61) in Manching. The influence of rotors on radio waves was tested on two types of helicopters, operational with the Bundeswehr, the CH53 and Tiger, as well as on the rotary wing UMAT R-350 UAV from ESG.

Liteye and Unmanned Experts partner to address drone swarms

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Liteye Systems, based in Denver Colorado, has partnered with Unmanned Experts Inc. to provide the hardware components to ruggedize the new AIR COMMONS – SWARM, drone swarm asset planning, management, and control system.

Australian Army announced the establishment of Army Aviation Command

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The Chief of Australian Army, Lieutenant General Rick Burr, AO, DSC, MVO, announced on December 2 the establishment of a new Army Aviation Command (AVNCOMD), at a ceremonial parade and helicopter flyover at Blamey Square, Canberra.

Government of Canada announces the last two bidders for Royal Canadian Air Force future fighter jets

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As part of its defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada is acquiring 88 advanced fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) to replace its CF-18 fleet through a competitive process that will ensure the requirements of the RCAF are met while ensuring best value for Canadians.

US Air Force to field new bladder relief device and works toward suite of options

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The Air Force is scheduled to receive the first shipment of the Omni Gen. 3 Skydrate, an improved in-flight bladder relief device, in early December. The Air Force recognized that current devices were not optimized for long-duration sorties, and as a result, aircrew were routinely dehydrating themselves to delay the need for bladder relief. Dehydration can lead to reduced endurance and G-force tolerance while in the aircraft, as well as other negative health issues.

Russia to test newly-built Tu-160M strategic bomber by yearend

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A completely new Tupolev Tu-160M (NATO reporting name: Blackjack) strategic bomber will make its debut run along the runway of the Kazan Aircraft Plant (part of the Tupolev Aircraft Company) in December 2021, a source in Russia’s aircraft-manufacturing industry told TASS.

US Army orders new Spyglass 3D Radar by Liteye Systems

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Liteye Systems, based in Denver Colorado, announced on November 30 that the US Army will be the first customer to field the new Spyglass 3D Radar as part of a multi-mission / multi-domain defense solution.  The Spyglass 3D Radar is designed and manufactured by Numerica Corporation, based in Ft. Collins Colorado.

AeroVironment awarded $4 million small UAS foreign military sale contract for US Ally

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AeroVironment, Inc. a global leader in intelligent, multi-domain robotic systems, announced it received a $4,151,320 firm-fixed-price U.S. Department of Defense Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract award on Sept. 27, 2021 to provide Puma 3 AE and Wasp AE small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), initial spares packages, training and support to an allied nation. Delivery is anticipated by September 2022.

BAE Systems new FireNet transceiver completes successful capability demonstration for rotary wing aircraft

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BAE Systems successfully completed a capability demonstration of its FireNet software-defined communication transceiver. The demonstration displayed the FireNet system’s additional channel capabilities for rotary wing aircraft – providing US armed forces with a unified tactical network and enabling Joint All Domain Operations (JADO).

GA-ASI completes series of system level tests for Protector

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General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) has successfully completed key system-level tests for the new Protector RG Mk1 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA). The Protector is the UK Royal Air Force’s version of the MQ-9B SkyGuardian, which is GA-ASI’s latest model of RPA and is on track to become the world’s first certified Medium-altitude, Long-endurance (MALE) RPA. The first Protector is expected to complete its test and evaluation program late 2022 and arrive in the UK in 2023.

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